Waterford United -v- Shelbourne

• Gareth Penrose
• Thu, Apr 21 2011


Waterford United welcome Shelbourne to the RSC on Thursday evening (kick-off 7.45pm) as both sides look to bounce back from losses.

Waterford have lost two games in a row now, a close fought encounter at home to Cork City and a defeat to Longford Town that left manager Stephen Henderson furious at his team's performance.

Talking after the Longford game, Henderson said, "That was horrendous. Too many players did not play well. It's my fault because I am the person who brought those players to the club. I take full responsibility for what happened here tonight. We were diabolical in the first half, and not much better in the second half."

The Blues manager was clear that unless an improvement is found, this home tie could end badly for his charges, "I will have to discuss what happened here with the players because if we play like that against Shelbourne we could lose seven-nil. On the other hand we could use this as a catalyst to improve, but right now it is hard to see that happening."

Henderson's only injury concern is Willie John Kiely, who underwent a scan on a troublesome knee.

Shelbourne come into this game having suffered their first defeat of the season, at home to Monaghan United. Having lead twice in the game, the Tolka Park outfit managed to lose 3-2. The manner of the defeat was the most disappointing for Shels manager Alan Mathews.

“We had enough opportunities to get a second goal in the first half and didn’t take them [and we] let them back into the game. Defensively we were too soft – we didn’t win enough second balls [and] we should have finished them off in the second half. [When] we went 2-1 up we hit the bar and had a great chance to make it 3-1, which probably would have finished the game off”

Looking ahead to the Waterford clash, Mathews praised his players approach to date and expects them to bounce back. “It’s a setback but not the end of the world. The players are very disappointed and the best way to respond is in your next game. We have a tough game in Waterford. We have the players to respond and I’m sure that their attitude – which has been spot on – will again be spot on. We’ve unfortunately lost three points [to Monaghan] but we’ve a long way to go!”

Apart from a groin injury to Stephen Paisley which rates him doubtful, Mathews has no injury worries or suspensions to deal with going into this encounter. A win for Shelbourne will see them go to the top of the table for at least 24 hours.

Waterford United
Injured: None
Doubtful: Willie John Kiely
Suspended: None

Shelbourne
Injured: None
Doubtful: Stephen Paisley
Suspended: None

Paddy Power Odds: Waterford United 8/5; Shelbourne 6/4; Draw 11/5.

Extratime prediction: Shelbourne has a tradition of winning in the RSC, going back to July 2008 for the last time Waterford managed to gain any points at home against the Dubliners. Shelbourne to edge it on a scoreline of 2-1.